Delhi, India

Site of no fewer than eight successive cities, India's capital DELHI is the hub of the country, a buzzing international metropolis that draws people from across India and the globe. Home to 1.3 crore (thirteen million) people, it's big and it's growing. Yet tucked away inside Delhi's modern suburbs and developments lie tombs, temples and ruins that date back centuries; in some places, the remains of whole cities from the distant past nestle amid homes and highways built within the last two decades. The result is a city full of fascinating nooks and crannies, that you could happily spend weeks or months exploring.

As a place to hit India for the first time, Delhi isn't a bad choice. The city is used to foreigners: hotels in all price ranges cater specifically for foreign tourists, and you'll meet plenty of experienced fellow travellers who can give you tips and pointers. And there's certainly no shortage of things to see and do. Quite apart from its historical treasures, Delhi holds a host of museums and art treasures, cultural performances and crafts that showcase the country's diverse heritage. The city's growing nightlife scene boasts designer bars, chic cafés and decent clubs. Its auditoriums put on a wide range of national music and dance events, drawing India's rich classical traditions. Smart new cinemas screen the latest offerings from both Hollywood and Bollywood, while its theatres hold performances in Hindi and English. And if you're flying home from Delhi, you'll find that you can buy goods here from pretty much anywhere else in India, so it's a good place to stock up with souvenirs and presents to take back with you.